A safe environment for your pet during their golden years

Making your home a safe environment for your dog and cat during their golden years can be accomplished by making some simple changes to ensure accessibility and remove potential hazards while providing them with a comforting environment.

Easing their mobility

The addition of ramps or steps with non-slip surfaces to access their favorite elevated spots, such as the bed or couch, allows them to enjoy the routine that they have established over the years. Once these are put in place, guide your dog and cat to them using positive reinforcement, such as treats, to ensure that they use them in a safe and stress-free manner. If it is not possible to grant them safe access to a once frequented spot, then access should be blocked as to prevent injury.

Securing floors and stairs

Non-slip flooring may be added to areas in the house that the animal uses often to navigate to minimize the risk of falls and injury. These areas should be free of tripping hazards. At night, the addition of nightlights, especially along staircases will also reduce the risk of injury. If a nightlight is not possible on stairs, the addition of reflective strips can reduce the risk of a tumble.

Food and water dishes should be elevated if the pet has difficulty bending down.

Adjusting food bowls and bedding

Their bedding should be well cushioned and insulated, ideally made from a material such as memory foam. Some older animals would also benefit from a heated bed. Bed placement is also important as it should be in a quiet area where they will not get startled by sudden movement or loud noises.

Maintaining a familiar environment

As your pet grows older, their eyesight may not be as sharp as it once was. To help them navigate comfortably, try to keep furniture and familiar objects in their usual places. Since they rely on memory and familiarity, maintaining a consistent layout allows them to move around confidently—even if their vision isn't what it used to be.

A gradual transition

These modifications in your pet’s environment should be done gradually. New bedding, flooring and ramps will demand a certain transition period as your pet will need time, and your guidance to make these changes as stress free as possible. Adding diffusers that emit calming pheromones in these areas may also help them adapt to the changes in their home making it a safe and comfortable space.

Elyse, AHT